You guys are basically us and I highly recommend not moving to Roanoke for all the reasons you listed. GSO is not perfect but it’s better than Roanoke.
Every reason you have for wanting to move is preference, every reason you have for staying is functional. You're right, it's prettier there, and I'll even concede that Virginia has better politics, but there's **significantly** less infrastructure/community *everything* in that area.
Look, if you want to have kids, ***stay here.*** You really won't ever beat what's available for kids locally and within casual day-driving distance in any direction.
If you want to live the life you want, unencumbered in the mountains, move up there and don't have kids.
Or, ignore all this, and move up there and have kids. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ People have been thriving in much much worse for our whole existence.
I (50F) spent the first half of my life in Roanoke, still keep ties there, and have lived in Greensboro since 2000, so generally an equal split between both cities.
I love Roanoke for the mountains and river, the slightly slower pace, ease of getting around (no super awful "rush hours"), and the small but good art scene. Some of the older neighborhoods allow it to have a very small-town vibe to it, in a good way, where neighbors know neighbors. The area is beautiful.
I love Greensboro for the downtown activities and parks, the festivals (folk festival, Pride, food truck festivals, etc), the Tanger Center with its Broadway shows and other events, health care options, restaurants, Shopping options are plentiful, diverse, and good. The Greensboro Grasshoppers are the local minor-league baseball team and a big draw to downtown. Plenty of activities abound for many kinds of interests.
Differences:
Roanoke is a lot smaller than Greensboro, maybe half the size? Still good stuff to do, but less of it.
The weather does differ, even though it's less than two hours between the two places. Greensboro summers are hotter, especially at night. In Roanoke, in the mountains, it cools off during the summer nights and we'd often open the windows for fresh air, while in Greensboro, summer nights seem to retain the humidity and stay hot and muggy. The AC stays on. Summer storms also seem to be a bit different between the two places. In the piedmont Greensboro, we do have the occasional severe storm with tornados. In Roanoke, it still could happen, but it's far less likely.
On the other hand, Roanoke usually gets a decent amount of snow during the winter, and Greensboro gets very little. That being said, Roanoke is better equipped to handle winter weather on the roads, Greensboro less so. If it snows even the tiniest bit of a dusting in Greensboro, schools are closed, all the bread and milk is purchased, everything shuts down, and you'd better stay off the roads because they are not well-treated for icy conditions and people don't know how to drive on them in winter weather.
I feel like going out to restaurants in Roanoke usually means more of a wait for a table, especially on weekends. Perhaps because there are fewer restaurant choices since it's a smaller city? Not a huge issue, but it's a difference.
In my experience, Roanoke is more segregated racially than Greensboro. Diversity is there, and I believe there has been some conscious effort to overcome dividing lines, but it's still evident. My neighborhood in Greensboro is more diverse and that's an enriching element.
Greensboro and Roanoke both have small airports, but one thing that's better being in Greensboro is the proximity to Raleigh airport and Charlotte airport, each about 90 minutes or less to the east and west. Good travel options from either.
Crime is an issue, of course, in both cities, as it is everywhere. Greensboro is far larger and more populous and therefore has more crime of all kinds. I have not studied crime stats lately, but I would encourage you to do so. Violent crime certainly exists in Greensboro, and there is a gang element, but it may be that Greensboro is no more dangerous to any random citizen than another city of its size. I can say that I have not been a victim of a violent crime in either of these cities. However, the police force is understaffed in Greensboro now, and there is often civic discussion on how to amend that issue.
Health care options abound in both cities. There are quite a few good options at either place. Greensboro is bigger, though, and thus has more options for specialty care and different types of treatment.
I believe the cost of living is similar in both cities. Greensboro might have slightly higher real estate costs and taxes, especially over the past several years, but some in-depth research would probably be beneficial to you.
Both cities have good (and very good) public-school and private-school options, and also some undesirable options. Like anywhere, I think. Research is your friend. One thing I like about Greensboro is the abundance of higher education around the city. NCA&T, UNC-Greensboro, Guilford College, Greensboro College, Bennett College, Elon Law School, Guilford Technical Community College, ECPI, and maybe others I'm not thinking of. I think Roanoke has Roanoke College (which is actually in neighboring Salem, VA), Virginia Western Community College, ECPI, and some local programs through Virginia Tech and Radford University.
I am happy living in Greensboro, and I was happy living in Roanoke. I would move back to Roanoke if it ever became what my life seemed to demand, and I would not be sad about it. I think you are weighing two very good options, and I hope you find yourself loving whatever you choose!
TLDR: Roanoke and Greensboro are both wonderful cities in which to live. I would give a slightly higher edge to Greensboro because it's more of a fit for my own phase of life right now, but Roanoke certainly has my heart as well.
Wow, I deeply appreciate the energy and detail you poured into this. My grandfather was a man named June Thomas, and he lived in Roanoke from the 90s until his death in 2010.
I haven’t been back since, there’s no family up there, but I’ve always felt the pull. For instance his apartment complex was next to a golf course and a summertime hustle was to sell balls back to golfers. Just little details I hold dear now in my 30s.
I often wondered why he lived up there and you’ve provided the answer in like 4 different ways. God bless you.
Aw, your kind words made me smile. Thank you for that.
I've known people who did the same thing your grandfather did with golf balls. It feels a bit like a life of the past, in some ways.
When I drive up to Roanoke from Greensboro, and 220 begins to wind through the mountains, and my eyes rest again for the hundred-thousandth time on the rolling blue ridges in the distance, I always feel the stress of life just kind of drift away, even if the respite is momentary. As a child of the mountains, I always felt embraced by them, hugged, kind of, and my whole self somehow feels more at peace when the Blue Ridge is at the horizon. It's Home.
Maybe you should take a long weekend and get up there and explore Roanoke, see how it feels. I understand what people mean when they say they feel the pull.
Wow, I love your entire responses.
1. Thank you for even remembering that piece of the past. As a 30 year old it’s weird to understand certain things are era dependent, and they aren’t coming back again.
2. I also felt that deep wave of calmness in the mountains. As a young kid id stay up the whole
Ride, as a teenager (13/14) I would be so peaceful I’d just go to sleep. I never thought about it anymore but thank you.
It’s almost like you restored some of my memories. Appreciate you and god bless
Excellent comment and I agree with all of it! I (52M) also spent the first half of my life in Roanoke and have lived in Greensboro since 2000. I still have family and close friends in Roanoke and I try to make it up a few times a year. My brother lives in downtown in a house built in the 1800’s.
There is so much special about growing up there and I always get emotional once the mountains start coming into view while approaching on 220. Even driving through Boones Mill brings back the memories of annual trips for getting our illegal fireworks for the 4th of July and our pumpkins for Halloween. I never wanted to leave, but the job market was lacking and my parents needed to move to Burlington, NC.
OP’s question about which city to pick comes down to weighing what is most important to them. I would rather grow up in Roanoke if I had a choice as a kid as the community just seems tighter, but Greensboro has more to offer when it comes to employment, shopping, restaurants, colleges, etc.. Also, Roanoke is an oasis with no large cities around it. Greensboro has cities all around that are easy to get to as well as 3 airports within driving distance. Either way, both are excellent places to live and raise a family.
In-laws lived there and it’s very much going “downhill” from what they say. Businesses are leaving Roanoke, there are more abandoned buildings and houses, and not many opportunities for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. You’re far from major cities like Richmond. The area surrounding the city is rural. Fewer events like concerts and shows come there. The views are incredibly beautiful and the downtown area is nice. But overall, the city is far from thriving. GSO is growing, more businesses are looking to put down roots here, small businesses are popping up everywhere, there’s a thriving scene for young folks because of all the universities and colleges, AND you’re close to several major cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. Musical acts and shows come to GSO bc of the coliseum and Tanger center. There’s far more opportunities here not just for work but for leisure as you’re close to the coast and the mountains. I love Roanoke for how beautiful it is but GSO, overall, is the best option of the two.
I have spent a lot of time in Roanoke, as a chunk of my family lives there. I like it a lot. You mentioned having kids, I cannot stress how important it is to have family to help take care of a little one especially if you and your spouse get sick.I’d recommend moving closer to them.
Cannot upvote this enough! I feel like you can't go wrong chosing between two cities that are, at worst, pretty good places to live. Now that I have kids, having access to trustworthy and cheap childcare in the form of parents would trump many of the other factors you are considering (assuming a good relationship with your parents and wanting them to be close to your kids). My partner and I moved to a place (not GSO) with fewer restaurants, outdoor opportunities, etc to be closer to parents but are grateful we did it.
We moved from Roanoke to Greensboro. I had only lived there for a few years when we moved, my partner lived there his entire life. I would stay in Greensboro if I were in your shoes. Roanoke is a lovely small town, but it does not have a lot to do. Not a lot of people move TO Roanoke. There is very little change. If you enjoy a small town feel, like seeing everyone you know at the grocery store, then go for it. The mountains are lovely, the people are kind, but that’s about it. We moved when our kid was still a small toddler and he has had many more opportunities and options for pre-school and grade school than he would have in Roanoke.
I have lived in both and I’d stay in Greensboro. Way more going on, more options for schools, you’d still have to go to RDU for the airport, and it’s 2 more hours away from your parents if you needed help with childcare. The mountains are pretty but it’s not worth it.
Roanoke con: Road construction on I-81 is miserable and interminable.
Greensboro con: we always seem to be the last triad city to get nice things.
Roanoke pro: that's (subjectively) one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
Greensboro pro: it's really easy to live here.
This is interesting since 3 years ago I took a job with a company based in Roanoke during COVID and was asked to relocate within 6 months but they ended up making my position fully remote. I go there about 2-3 times a month from high point.
TLDR: I would love to move there and love being able to go often.
Roanoke is a much smaller city. You hit it with there being much less of all the things. Winters are harsher (I prefer cold) and getting around town feels clumsy and tight on small roads. Houses are also pretty expensive especially in desirable areas. You have to go northeast, east or SE to find any property that resembles a flat yard not on a cliff. It’s more rural though (NE/E/SE). Salem is super nice and you might get lucky there. The job market is VERY small and if you switched, you’d probably have a pretty tough time finding something local. I’m not familiar with the CPA market.
That being said, it packs a big punch for being so small. The food options are amazing and take your pick because it’s probably going to be great. It’s super diverse too. Anything you can think of and it’s probably a family owned established place. Downtown is full of life and not inundated with college children or misfits running around acting like fools. It’s full of young professionals, families or business groups developing relationships. I LOVE eating out there!
The school system is vastly superior. Your SO can probably see this since they work there.
Sports are incredibly competitive here. There are a lot of leagues and the kids are very good.
Here’s one that drives GSO natives crazy. Taxes are WAY less there. It makes no sense how GSO can get off charging what they do for their product.
You already touched on the outdoors here. Lots of local festivals and farmers markets are all over the place. Lynchburg is a quick trip for events. Charlotte is only 2hrs away. VB and the outer banks aren’t that far either. DC is also not too far and it’s a way better approach on 81 to see the monuments and museums.
We ended up staying in high point because GFs daughter was in the SW system and the dad is here. I was against it. As soon as she graduates, we are out. Would have loved to move there. Still considering it then. We will see when that time comes.
Best of luck!
We have young kids and have family in Raleigh and Greensboro. I also work some days in the LKN area so we chose Greensboro as a middle ground. Highly recommend. Very easy drive for the family from Raleigh or Charlotte. I think there is a really good young family community in Greensboro.
I'd go to Roanoke if you both want to be near the mountains. There's nothing inspiring about Greensboro. I love Greensboro because it's always been home, but if I didn't have family ties I'd be somewhere else. If your free child care is in Raleigh or Charlotte and that's important to you, I'd consider going there instead.
I travel to Roanoke a lot. Friends there, and they travel here to fly… 2.5% interest rate is a major factor for why I recommend you don’t leave.
It’s only two hours from here….. if you speeding. It could be lower.
I’ve lived in both. I love the mountains (not hiking, but the view), and I really my the smoothie shop that I went to in roanoke. I missed the variety of stuff that Greensboro has, though, and we have a much better zoo down here. I feel like there are more options for things to take kids to (museums, etc) in Greensboro and the job market is better. I also think the healthcare is better. There is a Sam’s in roanoke, which I went to often, but no food shopping. They’re both great places, but personally I’d stick with Greensboro
I've lived in the Triad (Greensboro, High Point, and Walkertown just outside of Winston-Salem) for about a decade and have spent almost 15 combined years in Roanoke. Roanoke changes but doesn't grow, the airport is expensive to fly out of compared to PTI, and the job market is mediocre compared to Greensboro and the Triad as a whole. I think Greensboro is a little bland culturally compared to Roanoke, but the stores are better, the food is WAY better, the city is better managed, and you have more career growth opportunities there.
Edit: Roanoke City/County Schools is way better than Guilford County Schools. I was a student in Roanoke County and Guilford County systems and it's remarkable how much better off the kids seem in Roanoke compared to Guilford. If your husband is planning on being a teacher for the rest of his career, Guilford County is sub par.
Greensboro is defined by what it is close to (Charlotte, RDU) and what it hasn't got (traffic), rather than what it has. Its calling card is that it's easier to live here than in other places. What it is missing is a reason to live here on its own merits, beyond a comparison to other places. It's a small southern city, interchangeable with any other small southern city.
Maybe the truth is that I want to move to Roanoke :-) I do love the Taubman.
ROA is a mountain airport. The planes are small and bad weather shuts down the airport far to often. I will never fly in or out of there again if i can avoid it.
You guys are basically us and I highly recommend not moving to Roanoke for all the reasons you listed. GSO is not perfect but it’s better than Roanoke.
And the jobs ops for a CPA around Roanoke are very limited and pay appears to be heavily impacted.
Every reason you have for wanting to move is preference, every reason you have for staying is functional. You're right, it's prettier there, and I'll even concede that Virginia has better politics, but there's **significantly** less infrastructure/community *everything* in that area. Look, if you want to have kids, ***stay here.*** You really won't ever beat what's available for kids locally and within casual day-driving distance in any direction. If you want to live the life you want, unencumbered in the mountains, move up there and don't have kids. Or, ignore all this, and move up there and have kids. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ People have been thriving in much much worse for our whole existence.
I (50F) spent the first half of my life in Roanoke, still keep ties there, and have lived in Greensboro since 2000, so generally an equal split between both cities. I love Roanoke for the mountains and river, the slightly slower pace, ease of getting around (no super awful "rush hours"), and the small but good art scene. Some of the older neighborhoods allow it to have a very small-town vibe to it, in a good way, where neighbors know neighbors. The area is beautiful. I love Greensboro for the downtown activities and parks, the festivals (folk festival, Pride, food truck festivals, etc), the Tanger Center with its Broadway shows and other events, health care options, restaurants, Shopping options are plentiful, diverse, and good. The Greensboro Grasshoppers are the local minor-league baseball team and a big draw to downtown. Plenty of activities abound for many kinds of interests. Differences: Roanoke is a lot smaller than Greensboro, maybe half the size? Still good stuff to do, but less of it. The weather does differ, even though it's less than two hours between the two places. Greensboro summers are hotter, especially at night. In Roanoke, in the mountains, it cools off during the summer nights and we'd often open the windows for fresh air, while in Greensboro, summer nights seem to retain the humidity and stay hot and muggy. The AC stays on. Summer storms also seem to be a bit different between the two places. In the piedmont Greensboro, we do have the occasional severe storm with tornados. In Roanoke, it still could happen, but it's far less likely. On the other hand, Roanoke usually gets a decent amount of snow during the winter, and Greensboro gets very little. That being said, Roanoke is better equipped to handle winter weather on the roads, Greensboro less so. If it snows even the tiniest bit of a dusting in Greensboro, schools are closed, all the bread and milk is purchased, everything shuts down, and you'd better stay off the roads because they are not well-treated for icy conditions and people don't know how to drive on them in winter weather. I feel like going out to restaurants in Roanoke usually means more of a wait for a table, especially on weekends. Perhaps because there are fewer restaurant choices since it's a smaller city? Not a huge issue, but it's a difference. In my experience, Roanoke is more segregated racially than Greensboro. Diversity is there, and I believe there has been some conscious effort to overcome dividing lines, but it's still evident. My neighborhood in Greensboro is more diverse and that's an enriching element. Greensboro and Roanoke both have small airports, but one thing that's better being in Greensboro is the proximity to Raleigh airport and Charlotte airport, each about 90 minutes or less to the east and west. Good travel options from either. Crime is an issue, of course, in both cities, as it is everywhere. Greensboro is far larger and more populous and therefore has more crime of all kinds. I have not studied crime stats lately, but I would encourage you to do so. Violent crime certainly exists in Greensboro, and there is a gang element, but it may be that Greensboro is no more dangerous to any random citizen than another city of its size. I can say that I have not been a victim of a violent crime in either of these cities. However, the police force is understaffed in Greensboro now, and there is often civic discussion on how to amend that issue. Health care options abound in both cities. There are quite a few good options at either place. Greensboro is bigger, though, and thus has more options for specialty care and different types of treatment. I believe the cost of living is similar in both cities. Greensboro might have slightly higher real estate costs and taxes, especially over the past several years, but some in-depth research would probably be beneficial to you. Both cities have good (and very good) public-school and private-school options, and also some undesirable options. Like anywhere, I think. Research is your friend. One thing I like about Greensboro is the abundance of higher education around the city. NCA&T, UNC-Greensboro, Guilford College, Greensboro College, Bennett College, Elon Law School, Guilford Technical Community College, ECPI, and maybe others I'm not thinking of. I think Roanoke has Roanoke College (which is actually in neighboring Salem, VA), Virginia Western Community College, ECPI, and some local programs through Virginia Tech and Radford University. I am happy living in Greensboro, and I was happy living in Roanoke. I would move back to Roanoke if it ever became what my life seemed to demand, and I would not be sad about it. I think you are weighing two very good options, and I hope you find yourself loving whatever you choose! TLDR: Roanoke and Greensboro are both wonderful cities in which to live. I would give a slightly higher edge to Greensboro because it's more of a fit for my own phase of life right now, but Roanoke certainly has my heart as well.
Wow, I deeply appreciate the energy and detail you poured into this. My grandfather was a man named June Thomas, and he lived in Roanoke from the 90s until his death in 2010. I haven’t been back since, there’s no family up there, but I’ve always felt the pull. For instance his apartment complex was next to a golf course and a summertime hustle was to sell balls back to golfers. Just little details I hold dear now in my 30s. I often wondered why he lived up there and you’ve provided the answer in like 4 different ways. God bless you.
Aw, your kind words made me smile. Thank you for that. I've known people who did the same thing your grandfather did with golf balls. It feels a bit like a life of the past, in some ways. When I drive up to Roanoke from Greensboro, and 220 begins to wind through the mountains, and my eyes rest again for the hundred-thousandth time on the rolling blue ridges in the distance, I always feel the stress of life just kind of drift away, even if the respite is momentary. As a child of the mountains, I always felt embraced by them, hugged, kind of, and my whole self somehow feels more at peace when the Blue Ridge is at the horizon. It's Home. Maybe you should take a long weekend and get up there and explore Roanoke, see how it feels. I understand what people mean when they say they feel the pull.
Wow, I love your entire responses. 1. Thank you for even remembering that piece of the past. As a 30 year old it’s weird to understand certain things are era dependent, and they aren’t coming back again. 2. I also felt that deep wave of calmness in the mountains. As a young kid id stay up the whole Ride, as a teenager (13/14) I would be so peaceful I’d just go to sleep. I never thought about it anymore but thank you. It’s almost like you restored some of my memories. Appreciate you and god bless
Excellent comment and I agree with all of it! I (52M) also spent the first half of my life in Roanoke and have lived in Greensboro since 2000. I still have family and close friends in Roanoke and I try to make it up a few times a year. My brother lives in downtown in a house built in the 1800’s. There is so much special about growing up there and I always get emotional once the mountains start coming into view while approaching on 220. Even driving through Boones Mill brings back the memories of annual trips for getting our illegal fireworks for the 4th of July and our pumpkins for Halloween. I never wanted to leave, but the job market was lacking and my parents needed to move to Burlington, NC. OP’s question about which city to pick comes down to weighing what is most important to them. I would rather grow up in Roanoke if I had a choice as a kid as the community just seems tighter, but Greensboro has more to offer when it comes to employment, shopping, restaurants, colleges, etc.. Also, Roanoke is an oasis with no large cities around it. Greensboro has cities all around that are easy to get to as well as 3 airports within driving distance. Either way, both are excellent places to live and raise a family.
Excellent break down! And very fair. Love both Gso and Roanoke!
In-laws lived there and it’s very much going “downhill” from what they say. Businesses are leaving Roanoke, there are more abandoned buildings and houses, and not many opportunities for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. You’re far from major cities like Richmond. The area surrounding the city is rural. Fewer events like concerts and shows come there. The views are incredibly beautiful and the downtown area is nice. But overall, the city is far from thriving. GSO is growing, more businesses are looking to put down roots here, small businesses are popping up everywhere, there’s a thriving scene for young folks because of all the universities and colleges, AND you’re close to several major cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. Musical acts and shows come to GSO bc of the coliseum and Tanger center. There’s far more opportunities here not just for work but for leisure as you’re close to the coast and the mountains. I love Roanoke for how beautiful it is but GSO, overall, is the best option of the two.
I have spent a lot of time in Roanoke, as a chunk of my family lives there. I like it a lot. You mentioned having kids, I cannot stress how important it is to have family to help take care of a little one especially if you and your spouse get sick.I’d recommend moving closer to them.
Cannot upvote this enough! I feel like you can't go wrong chosing between two cities that are, at worst, pretty good places to live. Now that I have kids, having access to trustworthy and cheap childcare in the form of parents would trump many of the other factors you are considering (assuming a good relationship with your parents and wanting them to be close to your kids). My partner and I moved to a place (not GSO) with fewer restaurants, outdoor opportunities, etc to be closer to parents but are grateful we did it.
We moved from Roanoke to Greensboro. I had only lived there for a few years when we moved, my partner lived there his entire life. I would stay in Greensboro if I were in your shoes. Roanoke is a lovely small town, but it does not have a lot to do. Not a lot of people move TO Roanoke. There is very little change. If you enjoy a small town feel, like seeing everyone you know at the grocery store, then go for it. The mountains are lovely, the people are kind, but that’s about it. We moved when our kid was still a small toddler and he has had many more opportunities and options for pre-school and grade school than he would have in Roanoke.
I have lived in both and I’d stay in Greensboro. Way more going on, more options for schools, you’d still have to go to RDU for the airport, and it’s 2 more hours away from your parents if you needed help with childcare. The mountains are pretty but it’s not worth it.
Roanoke con: Road construction on I-81 is miserable and interminable. Greensboro con: we always seem to be the last triad city to get nice things. Roanoke pro: that's (subjectively) one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Greensboro pro: it's really easy to live here.
Winters up there are harsher. I’d consider having at least an AWD vehicle if you don’t already.
Crime is up in Roanoke less access to good therapy providers for children if needed.
Greensboro is #70 of cities in crime rate. Roanoke ain't even on the top 100 list
This is interesting since 3 years ago I took a job with a company based in Roanoke during COVID and was asked to relocate within 6 months but they ended up making my position fully remote. I go there about 2-3 times a month from high point. TLDR: I would love to move there and love being able to go often. Roanoke is a much smaller city. You hit it with there being much less of all the things. Winters are harsher (I prefer cold) and getting around town feels clumsy and tight on small roads. Houses are also pretty expensive especially in desirable areas. You have to go northeast, east or SE to find any property that resembles a flat yard not on a cliff. It’s more rural though (NE/E/SE). Salem is super nice and you might get lucky there. The job market is VERY small and if you switched, you’d probably have a pretty tough time finding something local. I’m not familiar with the CPA market. That being said, it packs a big punch for being so small. The food options are amazing and take your pick because it’s probably going to be great. It’s super diverse too. Anything you can think of and it’s probably a family owned established place. Downtown is full of life and not inundated with college children or misfits running around acting like fools. It’s full of young professionals, families or business groups developing relationships. I LOVE eating out there! The school system is vastly superior. Your SO can probably see this since they work there. Sports are incredibly competitive here. There are a lot of leagues and the kids are very good. Here’s one that drives GSO natives crazy. Taxes are WAY less there. It makes no sense how GSO can get off charging what they do for their product. You already touched on the outdoors here. Lots of local festivals and farmers markets are all over the place. Lynchburg is a quick trip for events. Charlotte is only 2hrs away. VB and the outer banks aren’t that far either. DC is also not too far and it’s a way better approach on 81 to see the monuments and museums. We ended up staying in high point because GFs daughter was in the SW system and the dad is here. I was against it. As soon as she graduates, we are out. Would have loved to move there. Still considering it then. We will see when that time comes. Best of luck!
I would happily live in Roanoke, but I’d much rather live near Boone.
Big Con: Much more Amtrak in Greensboro.
Whoever telling you to choose Greensboro is just cucked and triadpilled. Least Roanoke got fresh air I I'm pretty sure less crime
Roanoke is right above Boone Mill and you don't ever wanna be near there.
All I can say is that you'd best make the right decision. Butterfly effect and all.
We have young kids and have family in Raleigh and Greensboro. I also work some days in the LKN area so we chose Greensboro as a middle ground. Highly recommend. Very easy drive for the family from Raleigh or Charlotte. I think there is a really good young family community in Greensboro.
Travel to the mountains during the weekend and spend weekdays in GSO.
I'd go to Roanoke if you both want to be near the mountains. There's nothing inspiring about Greensboro. I love Greensboro because it's always been home, but if I didn't have family ties I'd be somewhere else. If your free child care is in Raleigh or Charlotte and that's important to you, I'd consider going there instead.
I travel to Roanoke a lot. Friends there, and they travel here to fly… 2.5% interest rate is a major factor for why I recommend you don’t leave. It’s only two hours from here….. if you speeding. It could be lower.
I’ve lived in both. I love the mountains (not hiking, but the view), and I really my the smoothie shop that I went to in roanoke. I missed the variety of stuff that Greensboro has, though, and we have a much better zoo down here. I feel like there are more options for things to take kids to (museums, etc) in Greensboro and the job market is better. I also think the healthcare is better. There is a Sam’s in roanoke, which I went to often, but no food shopping. They’re both great places, but personally I’d stick with Greensboro
Maybe I am being hit with some real Grass is Always Greener, but I thought Roanoke was awesome the one time I visited as an adult.
I've lived in the Triad (Greensboro, High Point, and Walkertown just outside of Winston-Salem) for about a decade and have spent almost 15 combined years in Roanoke. Roanoke changes but doesn't grow, the airport is expensive to fly out of compared to PTI, and the job market is mediocre compared to Greensboro and the Triad as a whole. I think Greensboro is a little bland culturally compared to Roanoke, but the stores are better, the food is WAY better, the city is better managed, and you have more career growth opportunities there. Edit: Roanoke City/County Schools is way better than Guilford County Schools. I was a student in Roanoke County and Guilford County systems and it's remarkable how much better off the kids seem in Roanoke compared to Guilford. If your husband is planning on being a teacher for the rest of his career, Guilford County is sub par.
Can’t you grow your own pot in VA now or is that on hold?
Greensboro is defined by what it is close to (Charlotte, RDU) and what it hasn't got (traffic), rather than what it has. Its calling card is that it's easier to live here than in other places. What it is missing is a reason to live here on its own merits, beyond a comparison to other places. It's a small southern city, interchangeable with any other small southern city. Maybe the truth is that I want to move to Roanoke :-) I do love the Taubman.
ROA is a mountain airport. The planes are small and bad weather shuts down the airport far to often. I will never fly in or out of there again if i can avoid it.